Syrian rebels seize control of Turkey and Iraq border crossings in conflict

Rebels in Syria have taken a number of vital areas along the country’s borders with Turkey and Iraq as violence continues and thousands flee into Lebanon.

Rebels training near the Syrian city of Aleppo as border crossings are seized (Picture: AFP/Getty)

The push from rebels who stand against Syrian president Bashar al-Assad came just hours after three of his senior defence officials were killed in a bomb in Damascus.

Rebels seized large sections of Syria’s international borders and set fire to the main police headquarters in Damascus. The battle for the capital continues to rage and bodies are piled in the streets.Officials in Iraq said Syrian rebels were in control of the main Abu Kamal checkpoint on the Syrian side.Rebels also seized two border crossings into Turkey.In the bomb attack on Wednesday, three members of Assad’s inner circle were killed – his brother-in-law, his defence minister and a top general.

Residents, who have fled their homes, gather in the centre of Damascus (Picture: REUTERS/Shaam News Network/Handout0

In response, government trips have attacked rebels with helicopter gunships and artillery based in the mountains overlooking Damascus.There was speculation Assad may have been wounded or even killed in the bomb attack but he made an appearance on television on Thursday to dispel the rumours.

Meanwhile, it is believed 20,000 people from Syria have thrown themselves at the mercy of the Lebanese who have opened school buildings to house refugees with the support of other Arab nations.The Lebanese security source said foreigners including diplomats and some international aid workers were among those who had fled.Despite reports of the Syrian regime ‘losing control’, both Russia and China have refused to back a UN Security Council resolution to impose tough sanctions.Foreign secretary William Hague described their decision as ‘inexcusable’ and accused Moscow and Beijing of turning their backs on the people of Syria ‘in their darkest hour’.

Syrian refugees are seen crossing the Lebanese border post at Al Masnaa area upon their arrival from Syria, in Al Masnaa, Lebanon. (Picture: EPA/LUCIE PARSEGHIAN)